The Home Away From Home (HAFH) program matches current sophomore, junior and senior University of Utah students with host families. University President Taylor Randall has set a goal to increase enrollment to 40,000 students, and with that growth comes an issue with housing. While plans for additional on campus housing are in the works, the HAFH program tackles the current scarcity of affordable housing.
“On campus housing isn’t adequate and, given the current housing rental market, students need a reasonably priced rental option,” said Dawn Young, HAFH Program Manager. “This is not a replacement for on campus housing. This program helps meet the growing needs of students.”
Not only does the HAFH program provide affordable housing, it also engages alumni, staff and faculty of the University.
“Our current hosts have really enjoyed the program. It’s brought a young energy back into their home again. It provides an opportunity to feel more engaged with campus. And I think a lot of people just want to give back,” Young stated.
In the year since its inception at the start of the Fall 2022 semester, 58 participants have joined Home Away From Home, but hopes are the program will continue to grow. With spring semester fast approaching, students will soon start looking for housing options, making now the perfect opportunity to submit their applications.
(Home Away From Home, sponsored) Student and Host.
APPLICATION PROCESS
In order to be considered as a host, the applicant must be alumni, staff or faculty of the University of Utah and reside in the home in which the student will live. Any adult over the age of 18 in the host home will need to undergo a background check, as well as provide three non-familial character references.
Hosts must provide a separate furnished bedroom, separate or shared bathroom, access to or separate kitchen, internet and a quiet study area. Two students may live in the home, as long as they each have a separate bedroom. Hosts will be paid $2,600 per semester for each student. As part of the application, the hosts will need to submit photos of the student’s room, the house and of the hosts themselves.
Host homes with the biggest draw are within 10-15 miles of campus as many students don’t have vehicles, but current hosts range in distance from Herriman to Bountiful. Hosts are also not required to provide meals to students, but some hosts have included the students in weekly meals and family game night.
Once an application has been approved, hosts and students can view each other’s profiles on the Forever Utah Network (FUN). HAFH staff do not arrange the matches, but can facilitate conversations between potential matches. For example, if a family is interested in hosting a female student, or a host has a background in engineering, program administrators can suggest certain applicants talk and determine if they’re a match. Young recommends all potential matches meet in person or virtually. This allows both parties to determine compatibility before entering into a signed contract.
(Home Away From Home, sponsored) Student and Host.
Payment is handled through the University and hosts will not collect payment from the students, instead students pay $2,600 to the University directly. If any problems arise during the semester, Home Away From Home staff will step in and help both parties come to an agreement, with the family and student safety always the top priority and ultimate goal.
Young said interest in Home Away From Home has started to spread as she’s received several inquiries from other universities who are also trying to find solutions to the affordable housing crisis in their communities. She hopes this idea will be able to work in other areas, along with continued success within the University of Utah.
Anyone interested in Home Away From Home, should visit their website or email homeawayfromhome@alumni.utah.edu.